A £1.4million extension to a hospice used by poorly Lancashire children has opened.

But the new Derian Lodge, at Derian House in Chorley, is aimed at adults aged 18 to 25 rather than youngsters.

The £1.4million cost of the purpose-built, self-contained extension was met through fundraising.

The unit, for young adults from throughout Lancashire, has its own kitchen, living and dining room for those staying there.

It features tall windows and light wood finishes and has been designed to give an air of spaciousness and light.

Derian House general manager Andrea Cail said: “The new extension will mean the hospice can offer more support to the families currently using it, as it increases the number of beds from nine to 13.

“It also means we can offer young people a separate environment which suits their age and needs rather than them having to fit in to the children’s hospice.”

State-of-the-art computer facilities have been installed and each bedroom is equipped with a Possum system which provides remote control of the door, lighting, television and iPod docking station.

Along with remote controlled window blinds, the features have been planned to provide each young person with as much independence as possible.

Michael Conlon, director at Conlon Construction, which built the extension, said: “It has been a pleasure for us to be involved in this project.

"It is heartening to know that we have been part of a development that will be of such benefit to the young people who use the hospice and their families.”

The hospice provides care and support to children and young people with life-limiting conditions who are not expected to live beyond young adulthood.

There are 60 young people currently using the children’s hospice who will be eligible to use the lodge.